Small Claims Court documents before hearing

[ThingsPeopleDo]

I am being sued in the Small Claims Court for rent for a garage I wasn't allowed to use. I'm counterclaiming for a smaller amount previously paid. I submitted my defence and counterclaim documents by the dates required.

In my N9B Defence and Counterclaim response form, in effect I presented my arguments for my defence and counterclaim at length on extra sheets, with a summary of factual evidence but not all the details.

Should I have done that?

Now I am asked to send my documents before the hearing, should I write just the facts, or include my arguments as before?

How rigid is the deadline for sending documents? The date given is over 6 weeks before the hearing.

They aren't asking you to restate your case. They are asking you for any documents you will use to support your case - agreements, receipts, emails, witness statements, etc. If the deadline has been set by the court, you need to comply with it. You cannot ambush the other side with documentary evidence in the hearing or just before it.

Thank you, much appreciated.